Pep Guardiola has explained his decision not to start with a holding midfielder as Manchester City lost the Champions League final to Chelsea. Chelsea took full advantage, exposing the lack of cover, while City’s much-vaunted defence had its poorest game for some time. It was an attacking decision from Guardiola – it allowed him to squeeze Raheem Sterling into a strong front five, and he played Ilkay Gudogan as the holding man. That has worked in the past, usually against teams that play deep, when the Germany international’s passing quality makes a difference.
Pep Guardiola said: “I decided the decision, to have quality players. Gundogan played many years in this position. To have speed, to find the small players, the quality, the brilliant players, inside, in the middle and between the lines. This was the decision.”
Asked if he regretted anything about his selection and tactics, Guardiola chose to praise Chelsea, who were excellent on the night.
Pep Guardiola said: “I don’t know – the decisions I made, the players did everything to try to win the game.”
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was surprised that Fernandinho did not start,
Thomas Tuchel said: “I expected Fernandinho in the line-up. He chose a very offensive, technical line-up, very hard to steal the ball and recover the ball. Everything else we pretty much expected. I think the game was exceptional, the first time we are here.”
